(taken from
http://www.navy.mil.nz)
The Royal New Zealand Navy's new Multi Role Vessel (MRV) was launched on Saturday (local time) at the Merwede shipyard in Rotterdam.
Secretary of Defence Graham Fortune and the Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Jack Steer attended the launch.
The 9000-tonne MRV is the first of seven ships being built under the Ministry of Defence's $500 million Project Protector. Two Offshore Patrol Vessels are being built in Melbourne, and four Inshore Patrol Vessels are being built in Whangarei.
Defence Minister Phil Goff, who visited the shipyards last weekend, said the speed with which the MRV was being built was impressive, with work having been contracted to four other shipyards in Rotterdam.
"As result, the MRV is being built at an average of 20 tonnes per day and five months later it is ready for launch – on schedule and within budget."
The MRV's superstructure was fitted as one complete block the day after the launch. Once the fit-out and sea trials are complete in late July, it will sail for Melbourne to be fitted with armaments and military communications systems. Final trials will then be conducted before Defence accepts the ship in December.
The MRV has a maximum speed of 19 knots, and is capable of transporting the Army’s Light Armoured Vehicles and Light Operational Vehicles, as well as 250 troops, one Seasprite and four NH90 helicopters. It has two 60-tonne landing craft for situations where port facilities are not available.
Perhaps South Africa should take a look at acquiring one of these...?